Crowe Horwath International (Crowe Horwath) has announced that David Mellor, former Chief Executive of Crowe Clark Whitehill, has been elected as Crowe Horwath’s new chief executive officer (CEO). Mellor will lead Crowe Horwath, one of the top 10 global professional services networks comprised of more than 200 member firms, operating in nearly 130 countries, effective 1 April 2018. He will succeed Kevin McGrath, who will retire on 31 March 2018 and has served as CEO since 2012.

Mellor was elected CEO through a rigorous, disciplined and year-long succession process led by the network’s board of directors.

Until recently, Mellor was Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP’s chief executive, the UK member firm of Crowe Horwath International. He has served on the Crowe Horwath International board of directors for four years. Mellor graduated Oxford University in 1989 and has more than 25 years of professional experience advising international businesses and their shareholders on tax matters. He will continue to provide input, support and counsel to Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP up until the end of March 2018.

“It is a privilege to have the confidence of the board of directors and be selected as Crowe Horwath’s next CEO,” shared Mellor, who is based in London. “Crowe Horwath is a network that distinguishes itself in the market by bringing smart decisions that deliver lasting value to clients, talent and the communities where we live and work.”

Mellor added, “I am committed to building on the strong foundation Kevin has created. Under Kevin’s leadership, Crowe Horwath has gained position to become the eighth largest global professional services organization and achieved five years of sustained revenue growth. He has also expanded our member footprint so that our firms can successfully serve clients wherever they choose to do business and moved the network toward becoming a more integrated global brand.”

McGrath and Mellor will work closely in the coming months as they prepare for the CEO transition. “I can think of no one better to lead Crowe Horwath,” said McGrath. “I look forward to working with David through a productive transition process and have all the confidence he will take Crowe Horwath to even greater levels of success.”

Mellor will continue his role with Crowe Horwath’s UK firm until he transitions to global CEO.

For more than 25 years, Mellor has led a distinguished career advising international businesses and their shareholders on tax matters. He is a specialist in the areas of corporate and cross-border taxation, acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and corporate reorganizations. He has been with Crowe Clark Whitehill since 2006. Prior to that he was a tax partner at PKF and KPMG in London.